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Ranking the Best Skill Position Groups in the Big Ten

By Alec Whitaker

Nov 6, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) can not make a catch on quarterback Sean Clifford (not pictured) throw as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jakorian Bennett (2) defends during the first half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) can not make a catch on quarterback Sean Clifford (not pictured) throw as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jakorian Bennett (2) defends during the first half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

1. Ohio State

No team has more 2022 Heisman contenders than Ohio State.

Let’s take a look at CJ Stroud’s weapons.

At wide receiver, we have arguably the nation’s best in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Despite playing with two first round picks last year, Smith-Njigba still caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Just an unbelievable season.

The question becomes, who will step up with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave gone? Well, there’s a lot of answers to that question.

Let’s start with Marvin Harrison Jr. As a true freshman last year, Harrison caught 11 passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Another true freshman last season, Emeka Egbuka, caught nine passes for 191 yards. These two guys will likely start alongside Smith-Njigba.

Some other names include former 5-star recruit Julian Fleming. Fleming has dealt with injuries throughout his career but had 12 grabs for 86 yards and a touchdown last year. Also keep an eye on youngsters Jayden Ballard, Kyion Grayes and Caleb Burton.

Moving on the running back, the Buckeyes may have the best duo in the nation. As a true freshman last year, TreVeyon Henderson carried the ball 183 times for 1,248 yards (6.8 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 312 yards and four scores. The Big Ten has not seen a running back as well-rounded as him since Saquon Barkley.

His backup is no slouch either. Miyan Williams averaged 7.2 yards per carry last season as he had 71 attempts for 508 yards and three scores.

Tight end is probably the weak spot on this offense, but with so much talent elsewhere, it really doesn’t matter. Jeremy Rucker is off to the NFL, leaving Cade Stover as the starter. Last season, Stover, a converted linebacker, had five catches for 76 yards. Former wide receiver Gee Scott Jr. may also factor in a tight end.

It’s easy to see why the Buckeyes are a national champion favorite heading into 2022.

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